Gabriel’s second half header secured Arsenal a priceless 1-0 win over Tottenham in the first north London derby of the season.
Victory for Mikel Arteta’s side sees them climb to second in the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Manchester City. Gabriel’s header 64 minutes in was enough for the Gunners to secure a valuable three points against their fiercest rivals.
Here are five things we learnt from the match…
Tempers boil over in fiery first derby of the season
North London derbies have also been passionate affairs, and this year was no exception. The first half showed just how ugly this derby can get, with seven yellow cards and a full team brawl inside the opening 45 minutes. It all calmed down in the second period of the match, with only one card issued after the break. The first period gave hope for another card frenzy after Chelsea’s 14 card affair with Bournemouth on Saturday night.
Depleted Arsenal rally to secure win despite being outplayed
Whilst the gulf in points between both Tottenham and Arsenal was a significant amount last season, neither team could be separated when they faced each other. It was no different today, despite the Gunners missing seven first team players and having a youth heavy bench. However, Mikel Arteta’s men rallied and were able to secure the win thanks to Gabriel’s second half header against a Spurs side at near enough full strength.
Results do not match Spurs’ performances
It has been a mixed bag of results this season for Tottenham. A draw, lose and win in the first three matches of the campaign do not suggest an improvement on Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge of the north Londoners. However, Spurs have been by far the more dominant side against all three of their opponents before today, with defeat last time out against Newcastle not a fair reflection on their performance. The first half against Arsenal was electric, but once again the result did not match how Spurs played.
Set piece pain yet again for Spurs
What is it with Tottenham and defending set pieces? They ranked 18th last season for set piece goals conceded, only behind Nottingham Forest and relegated Sheffield United. Christian Romero allowed an unmarked Gabriel to power a header from four yards in the 64th minute, undoing all the hard work that Spurs had put in throughout the match.
Arsenal continue to snap at Man City’s heels
Arsenal remain one of five unbeaten sides in the Premier League after victory against Tottenham, and yet again at the closest team to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s Erling Haaland powered monster are two points clear of Mikel Arteta’s side after the first four games with both sides facing each other next weekend. The winner of that game could be an early indicator of who comes out on top at the end of the league campaign.
